Free Web NovelChapter 252: Request for Reinforcements
In the sky, the remnants of wind and clouds swirled like a tornado, terrifying in its momentum.
The leopard shadow formed by Cao Bao was torn apart in an instant by Xiahou Dun’s swirling winds, shattered into countless fragments drifting in the void.
Just as Cao Bao was shocked by Xiahou Dun’s formidable strength,
Suddenly, a figure flashed beside him, wielding an extremely sharp Wind-breaking Blade.
Clang!
A golden blade aura shot out, causing faint cracks to appear in the space from its immense force, gradually tearing apart...
Just as Cao Bao was about to meet his end, a pure white spear aura flew out, blocking Xiahou Dun’s mighty blow and saving Cao Bao.
Cao Bao collapsed on the ground like a puddle of mud, gasping heavily, sweat soaking through his clothes.
He felt as if he had just walked through the gates of hell!
On the other side, confusion flashed in Xiahou Dun’s eyes.
Who could block my attack like that?
Looking up, he saw a handsome warrior in white armor standing in front of Tao Qian, looking at him sternly.
He wielded a white-poled spear, and with each swing, a phantom of a white dragon appeared—his strength not to be underestimated!
"Who are you?!" Xiahou Dun’s voice thundered loudly.
"I am Chen Deng from Xiaopei."
The handsome general spoke solemnly.
Immediately, he led his troops to confront Xiahou Dun, who naturally did not fear him and charged forward with his spear.
Suddenly,
The shouts of battle shook the heavens and the earth as the two armies clashed, causing the ground to tremble like an earthquake.
One hundred paces.
Fifty paces.
They drew closer and closer!!!
Boom!
The sound of bodies colliding echoed, and sparks flew as their weapons clashed, creating a dazzling spectacle.
Xiahou Dun fought like a madman, his speed astonishing, his spear creating a hurricane that sent hundreds of soldiers from Xuzhou flying several zhang away.
Both armies fell into chaos, then each withdrew their forces.
Under the protection of his guards, Tao Qian returned to the city.
In the hall,
Tao Qian observed the expressions of the officials, noting many showing signs of retreat and fear, which displeased him.
Thinking he needed to inject them with a strong dose of courage to fully defend against Cao Cao’s forces.
Then his eyes lit up.
He turned to the officials and said with concern: frёeωebɳovel.com
"Cao’s forces are formidable, and it may be difficult to resist. I am willing to surrender myself and go to Cao Cao’s camp to be dissected."
Before he could finish speaking, someone from below rushed forward:
"No, no! Your Majesty, do not speak of this matter again!"
"Your Majesty has long guarded Xuzhou and has already earned the gratitude of the people of Xuzhou."
"Although Cao’s forces are powerful, they have not yet breached our city."
"As long as Your Majesty and the people remain steadfast..."
After a pause, the scholar bowed again and said:
"I am not talented, but I am willing to offer a small strategy to ensure that Cao has no place to bury his dead!"
Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked and immediately asked for the details of the plan.
The man who proposed the plan was originally from Juye County in Donghai, named Mi Zhu, with the courtesy name Zizhong.
The Mi family was wealthy for generations and was one of the richest families in the county. It was said that the wealth accumulated by the Mi family could support the expenditures of any prince in the world for decades.
If there is money and no official, then such a wealthy merchant is ultimately the fattened sheep waiting to be slaughtered and eaten by the officials.
Therefore, Mi Zhu later figured out a way to get himself a government job, and now he is an assistant in Xuzhou.
Although his position is not high, his family’s wealth is guaranteed.
In ancient times, the social status of wealthy merchants ranked at the bottom, even lower than farmers, which is why countless wealthy merchants broke their heads to get a job or a half job.
In addition,
Mi Zhu likes to give generously and save the poor and suffering.
The purpose is simple: to build his own reputation and thus protect and enrich himself.
So-called wealth protection is naturally to let these people and officials think that they are righteous merchants rather than wicked merchants.
The so-called getting rich is once they have a reputation, everyone thinks they are righteous merchants, and more people are willing to buy their goods and products.
Similar to today’s brand effect, it can be seen that the wisdom of the ancients is not to be underestimated.
Back to now,
Mi Zhu suggested to the old man Tao Qian:
"Your Majesty, Xuzhou is located at the junction of various states, connecting Qingzhou, Dong’e, and Yuzhou below!"
"Now that Cao Cao from the east is attacking our Xuzhou, we can seek external aid!"
"We can ask Kong Rong from Beihai to send troops for assistance to the north, and ask Long Chen from Yangzhou to send troops for assistance to the south."
"Once these two armies arrive, they will surely teach Cao’s troops a lesson they won’t forget!"
In a deep voice, Mi Zhu raised his hand again and respectfully said:
"I am willing to personally go to Beihai Commandery to request Kong Rong’s troops for assistance. In addition, Your Majesty can send someone to Yangzhou to seek aid from Governor Long Chen."
"If troops arrive from both places, Cao Cao will surely be frightened and retreat immediately."
Cao Cao’s approach was aggressive, while the forces of Xuzhou had long been in a state of peace and prosperity, with little experience in warfare compared to Cao Cao’s army.
Moreover, Cao Cao had numerous fierce generals under his command, making it difficult to confront them directly. Therefore, seeking external assistance was the most appropriate course of action.
Looking at the current situation, only Long Chen from Yangzhou and Yuan Shao from Jizhou were formidable opponents of Cao Cao.
However, Yuan Shao of Jizhou and Tao Qian of Xuzhou were on opposite sides.
Because Cao Cao had a friendly relationship with Yuan Shao, he would assist Cao Cao rather than Tao Qian.
Therefore, Long Chen from Yangzhou was their best option...
The other officials were also willing and nodded in agreement.
Immediately, Tao Qian followed suit and personally wrote two letters, asking who among his men dared to go to Yangzhou for help.
After a moment,
Someone volunteered.
The officials looked up to see it was Chen Deng, the man who had rescued Cao Bao on the battlefield today.
Chen Deng was from Guangling, his style name Yuanlong, skilled in both civil and military affairs. He had assisted Tao Qian in developing water conservancy and cultivating farmland in Xuzhou, restoring the agriculture that had suffered greatly during the late Han period and allowing the people to live and work in peace.
He was Tao Qian’s right-hand man.
Seeing Chen Yuanlong willing to go to Yangzhou personally, Tao Qian was greatly pleased. With Chen Deng present, the journey to Yangzhou was likely to be much smoother than expected.
After instructing Chen Yuanlong on his mission to Yangzhou, Tao Qian then commanded Mi Zhu to deliver a letter to Beihai.
He himself would lead the defense of the city to guard against Cao Cao’s attacks.
...
Inside the Chen Mansion in Xuzhou.
In a room filled with ancient charm, the table and cabinets were covered with valuable antiques.
There was a faint fragrance lingering in the room.
An old man with white hair was flipping through books at the desk.
After a while, a handsome young man in a white brocade robe, embroidered with blue auspicious clouds, burst in.
"Father, did you send for me?"
The old man set down the book, glanced at Chen Deng standing by the door, and waved his hand:
"Yuanlong is here. Sit down first."
After Chen Deng sat down properly, it became apparent that his father was Chen Gui.
Chen Gui, now the magistrate of Pei, was not the most important thing. The most important thing was that their Chen clan was a prominent aristocratic family.
"Father, is it about today’s matter?" Chen Deng asked, folding his arms.
Chen Gui nodded, pondered for a moment, and continued:
"What you did today was right!"
"Tao Qian is getting old, and his sons are all mediocre. The future of Xuzhou should not be entrusted entirely to them..."
Upon hearing this, Chen Deng was greatly surprised. He had only planned to go to Yangzhou to meet and learn from the renowned champion Long Chen.
He did not expect his father’s considerations to be so deep and to involve the interests of their Chen family in Xuzhou.
"Father, are you implying... that you value Long Chen of Yangzhou?"
Facing his own son, Chen Gui did not conceal anything, nodded affirmatively, and turned to look out the window at the pouring rain, saying:
"Originally, Cao Cao of Yanzhou was not bad. This man possesses the demeanor of a hero and managed to subdue three hundred thousand Yellow Turban rebels in Qingzhou within a short period of time, and then he also obtained Yanzhou..."
"Unfortunately, unfortunately, this man actually issued an order to slaughter the city of Xuzhou. In this way, the hearts of the people have already been lost!"
"Now it seems that Long Jue Ming, the current outstanding governor of Yangzhou, is the best choice for our Chen family!"
"After you go to Yangzhou, you can subtly convey the intentions of our Chen family. If Long Jue Ming is interested, then... we can discuss it in more detail."
Chen Deng nodded in agreement. He was a typical scion of a scholarly family and naturally valued the interests of his family.
Moreover, this was his father’s entrustment, and he dared not disobey.
